Curation & Production
I began producing live literature events in 2007 when I ran the Room of Abandon poetry and music evenings at the Cross Kings in Kings Cross. Since then I have curated and produced live literature events at venues such as Kensal Rise Cemetery, Tate Britain, and the Courtauld Institute of Art. For a decade, I also worked as a producer with Renaissance One whose work ranges from the curation of book tours, literary readings, spoken word and poetry performances, to educational workshops and mentoring. I curated a sound installation of poetry at Estuary Festival 2021, the poetry programme at Whitstable Biennale 2022 and was curator in residence at Orleans House Gallery in 2022. In 2023 - 2024, I am curator in residence at the Sainsbury Centre.
In the Undergrowth, The Vineyard Poets, Tate Britain, 2010
As part of the BP Going Public Event Series, I was commissioned by Tate Britain to produce a promenade poetry performance responding to David Hockney's wall length painting, Bigger Trees Near Warter. A pamphlet, In the Undergrowth, featuring ten poets from The Vineyard poetry collective was published to accompany the performance at the gallery and given away to members of the public.
Room of Abandon, The Cross Kings, 2007 - 2008
In collaboration with the Hanging Gardner of Babylon, I curated and produced this fortnightly live literature and music night. The night featured many poets in their early careers who have since gone on to become high profile writers such as Kayo Chingonyi, Inua Ellams and Debris Stevenson.
Renaissance One/Tilt Spoken Word, 2009 - 2019
I curated, programmed and produced multimedia literary events and festivals across the UK with novelists, poets, journalists, broadcasters and thought leaders. I also organised author showcases, book signings and produced and toured single authors as well as live literature theatrical shows. I sourced, liaised with and built relationships with diverse venues all across the UK such as Southbank Centre, Wellcome Collection and Roundhouse. I also wrote and scheduled online content and marketing assets.
Exiles & Immigrants, The Dissenters Chapel, Kensal Rise Cemetery, 2008
As part of the Across the Street, Around the World programme of events produced by the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, I was commissioned to curate and host an evening of music and literature performances exploring themes of exile and immigration in the candle-lit Dissenters' Chapel of Kensal Rise Cemetery. The writers were Bernardine Evaristo who has since gone on to win the Man Booker Prize in 2019, Agnes Meadows, Baden Prince, Yemisi Blake and music duo Drum & Flute.
Shot From the Lip, Poetry International, Southbank Centre, 2008
As part of the Shot From the Lip executive committee, I was commissioned to produce an event for Poetry International at Southbank Centre. Poets Jean Binta and Linton Kwesi Johnson were invited to perform in the Spirit Level of The Royal Festival Hall while DJ Dennis Bovell took up residence in the foyer of the Queen Elizabeth Hall.
Read My Lips, The Zetter, 2008
I was invited to curate and host a series of regular poetry events in this boutique hotel in central London. The events featured poets, novelists and musicians.